Do Air Up water bottles truly work as advertised? Our comprehensive testing process revealed that they do indeed succeed in infusing water with the flavors of their pods. Among the flavors we examined, the mango-passionfruit pod left a lasting impression with its juicy and delightful "flavor." However, opinions on the orange-vanilla pod were divided, with some finding it somewhat artificial.

As we analyzed the data and the feedback from our testers, it became clear that personal preferences and scent perception played a significant role in shaping the experience. Scent perception is a deeply personal matter, influenced by individual associations and the distinct nature of each person's sense of smell. Some testers did not foresee integrating the Air Up water bottle into their daily routine after testing, while others considered it an innovative enhancement.

One tester shared, "Inhaling the scent didn't heighten the flavor for me," while another noted, "This is no mere gimmick. On days when plain water feels uninspiring, the Air Up bottle elevates the hydration experience." Ultimately, your journey with Air Up is intimately connected to your sensory perceptions.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

What is Air Up?

What is Air Up? It's the brainchild of Lena Jüngst and Tim Jäger, two enterprising German university students who, during their academic journey, explored the pages of Neurogastronomy: How the Brain Creates Flavor and Why It Matters, a book authored by neuroscientist Gordon M. Shepherd. This influential book challenges established beliefs by emphasizing the paramount role of the sense of smell in shaping flavor perception. Inspired by Shepherd's insights, Jüngst and Jäger embarked on a mission to bring their inaugural Air Up prototype to life, guided by the principle of "Merging Neuroscience with Innovative Design." Their ultimate objective? To contribute to global well-being by addressing the issue of inadequate hydration, often associated with poor nutrition. This cutting-edge water bottle accommodates 15 distinct Air Up flavor pods and is available in two variations—plastic and stainless steel—both of which can be customized with a spectrum of vibrant accessories.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

How Air Up works

Discover the science that powers Air Up's unique flavor-enhancing system. According to Air Up, our olfactory receptors are responsible for most of our taste sensations, and they can detect an astounding 1 trillion scents. The brand elaborates:

"Retronasal smelling is the secret sauce behind our innovation. It's how we infuse plain water with delightful 'flavored' air from our pods. When you sip through our bottles, your nasal receptors interpret this 'flavored' air as taste, transforming your water into a flavorful experience, even though it remains unflavored."

With Air Up, you'll perceive scent as taste, creating a whole new way to enjoy beverages.

Discover the magic of Air Up with these user-friendly instructions. Fill your water bottle to the capacity line, attach the mouthpiece and straw, and place the circular pod over the mouthpiece, ensuring activation. When you sip, anticipate the pleasure of scent-flavored air bubbles traveling through the straw, transforming into taste sensations as they rise.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

How we tested Air Up

In the realm of water bottles, the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab is renowned for its comprehensive evaluations. Over time, we've scrutinized numerous bottles, weighing their performance, durability, and user-friendliness. However, when the Air Up entered our radar, we knew we had something unique to explore.

Our formidable 11-person testing panel, comprised of consumers, dietitians, kitchen equipment experts, engineers, and chemists, embarked on a mission to gather extensive data. This endeavor yielded over a hundred data points and invaluable feedback. From assessing taste perceptions to gauging comfort during usage and monitoring shifts in hydration habits, we left no stone unturned.

Within our Lab, we conducted meticulous drop and leak tests on both plastic and stainless steel Air Up models. Our scrutiny extended to nine distinct flavor pods, meticulously rating them based on flavor quality, durability, and intensity. We also evaluated the water bottle's ease of use, considering factors such as filling, carrying, drinking, and cleaning.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

What is in the flavor pods?

Air Up's flavor pods are a testament to their commitment to natural ingredients. According to the company, these pods are infused with natural flavors derived from plants, fruits, and spices. While they keep certain details related to their intellectual property confidential, their dedication to using pure, natural elements is evident.

On the brand's website, you'll find an enticing array of 15 flavors, ranging from classic apple to the innovative basil-lemon and the delightful orange-vanilla. You can explore these scents through variety packs or indulge in three-packs of your favorite flavor. Additionally, every water bottle starter set includes a selection of flavor pods.

In our testing, personal preferences played a significant role, with no single scent unanimously favored. Testers shared their impressions, highlighting differences in scent intensity and flavor preferences.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

How long do Air Up pods last?

Air Up asserts that each of its pods can enhance approximately 1.3 gallons of water with delightful scents. Furthermore, the company recommends checking the "best before" date on each pod, as the scent's intensity may diminish over time, delivering the most satisfying experience when the pod is freshly opened. Keeping the pods in their original packaging is essential, as they cannot be cleaned and should only be unsealed just before attaching them to your water bottle.

In our investigations, we noted that if the pods remained affixed to the water bottle for an extended duration without being used, the fragrance gradually faded, resulting in a milder "flavor" for the water. Given the per-pod price and the current online-exclusive availability, our experts expressed a desire for pods with a more prolonged lifespan.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

Additional Lab and tester notes

Delve into the world of the Air Up water bottle as we assess its durability, weight, and comfort features. We've explored how the lightweight plastic version contrasts with its heavier stainless steel counterpart in terms of weight.

Our drop testing procedures subjected both materials to a series of drops onto hard concrete, unveiling their respective strengths and weaknesses. The results shed light on the bottles' resilience when faced with real-world conditions.
Leak testing was another crucial aspect of our evaluation, where we examined the bottles' ability to remain leak-free when positioned on their sides with tightly sealed lids. Discover the differences between the plastic and stainless steel bottles in this regard.

Furthermore, we delved into the comfort factor of the Air Up water bottle, particularly focusing on the mouthpiece and ease of sipping. Ease of cleaning, including the advantages of the stainless steel model, was also a key consideration.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

So, is the Air Up water bottle worth it?

Is the Air Up water bottle worth your consideration? This unique bottle is tailored for those who enjoy the taste of flavored water and find it more enjoyable to stay hydrated with a burst of flavor.

According to Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.S.O., C.D.N., NASM-CPT, the Nutrition Lab Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute, "People who struggle with staying hydrated might appreciate this bottle, especially those who find plain water unappealing." If you have a busy schedule and find it challenging to infuse your water with fresh ingredients, Air Up could be a game-changer.

However, it's crucial to keep in mind that the Air Up water bottle may not suit everyone, particularly those who consume significant quantities of water and need a larger bottle capacity (the plastic version holds 22 ounces, while the stainless steel version holds 28 ounces). As one tester mentioned, "I wish it came in different sizes to reduce the need for frequent refills."

Additionally, consider your budget, as purchasing flavor pods regularly can impact your finances. A three-pack of pods, which flavors approximately 3.9 gallons of water, may be an ongoing expense. Nevertheless, with seven out of 11 testers giving Air Up their recommendation, it appears to have garnered widespread approval.

Air Up Compatible Food Grade Flavor Pods and Bottles: Sipperment

ref: Air Up Water Bottle Review: We Tested the Water Bottle That "Flavors" Water Via Scent